Peterson: "I'm a Sooner"

Thayer Evans

01/03/2004

Palestine, Texas running back Adrian Peterson talks about his decision. Peterson, who is rated as the No. 1 running back in the nation by TheInsiders.com, made his decision official with a live announcement on national television during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday.

SAN ANTONIO — Just minutes before the start of today's U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game, Adrian Peterson kept insisting that he was undecided about his college commitment.

Yet the nation's top-ranked running back told OUInsider.com otherwise in an exclusive interview.

"It's OU," said Peterson, who formally announced his decision during the fourth quarter of Saturday's nationally televised game. "That's my decision. I'm a Sooner."

The 6-foot-1, 205 pounder said he finalized his decision to pick Oklahoma over Miami earlier this week in a conversation with Coach Stoops.

"He'd gotten a call that I was going to Miami," said Peterson, who rushed for 2,313 yards and 32 touchdowns this season. "So he asked me about it. I didn't want to say anything, so I could surprise him, but I told him anyway."

Peterson said the allure of competing for a starting position as a true freshmen and Oklahoma's tradition proved to be the deciding factors in his decision.

"I think Oklahoma gives me the best opportunity," said Peterson. "It's all good. I don't have to go to the East Coast or West Coast to win a national championship. I can stay close to home and do it."

Peterson said Oklahoma's players also heavily influenced his commitment.

"I like the group of guys I'll be around," said Peterson. "Since it (Norman) isn't as big as Miami or LA, whatever all the guys do they have to do it together most of the time. They have that extra bond with each other and I want to be part of that commitment."

Even though he won't graduate high school for four more months, Peterson said he's already focusing on his future goals.

"Oklahoma's players and coaches work hard," said Peterson. "They want to get the absolute best out of you. I can't wait to get to Norman."